GranuFlo Heart Attack & Death Lawsuit Continue to Grow
By Andrea Gressman
Fresenius Medical Care, the manufacturer of dialysis treatment medications GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, has been the focus of many recent GranuFlo and NaturaLyte lawsuits. The dialysis solutions convert bicarbonate when other substances are added. This has to be done in order to purge the blood of waste during kidney dialysis. The problem lies in that patients often have an overabundance of bicarbonate from the Fresenius manufactured products. These products have an elevated level of bicarbonate in their ingredients, compared to alternative dialysis treatment products.
FDA Investigates and Recalls GranuFlo Following Leaked Memo Mentioning Heart Attack Risks
Concerns over possible side effects related to these kidney dialysis products motivated the FDA to issue a recall of Class I status earlier in the year. At the same time, GranuFlo and NaturaLyte lawsuits filed by GranuFlo attorneys have risen exponentially as patients who have suffered injuries or have experienced the loss of a relative resulting from its use have also increased. These patients are seeking compensatory damages to offset injuries, medical expenses, and loss.
The most serious of all recalls is the Class I recall. It was sparked by a leaked November 2011 memo by Fresenius, which indicated that the previous year saw up to 941 deaths as a result of GranuFlo, most notably, an error in dosages administered to kidney dialysis patients. As patients learned of the dosage error, the GranuFlo/NaturaLyte lawsuits against the company rose even more. Fresenius clinics received the memo. However, the consumer clinics did not despite their ongoing use of the product.
GranuFlo Product Remained on Market Despite Recall
When the memo caught the attention of the Food and Drug Administration, they launched an investigation regarding the potential for heart attacks and deaths resulting from products manufactured by Fresenius Medical Care. Months passed. They issued the Class I Recall order, warning that injuries from a significant number of doctors erring in dosages to patients were higher than average.
Due to the products remaining on market despite the recall, there is a strong possibility of continued growth in the amount of GranuFlo recall lawsuits against Fresenius. Instead of Fresenius pulling the product from use, more forceful warnings were placed on the label indicating what the correct amount of dosage should be. Doctors were given strict warnings regarding determination of appropriate dosage amounts when administering GranuFlo. However, with the rise in GranuFlo and NaturaLyte lawsuits it is unclear whether or not these products warnings are effective.
Six-fold Risk of Heart Attack Linked to Using GranuFlo or NaturaLyte
As indicated by GranuFlo and NaturaLyte studies, using these Fresenius products may elevate the potential dangers of heart attack by 600%. Patients showing higher levels of bicarbonate before dialysis and those patients suffering from acute kidney failure have an even greater risk of heart attack when using GranuFlo or NaturaLyte.
Metabolic alkalosis may also lead to heart attack following GranuFlo use. Its symptoms include cardiac arrhythmias, low blood oxygen, and low blood pressure.
NaturaLyte/GranuFlo Class Action Lawsuits Being Filed
At least one class action lawsuit has been filed against Fresenius Medical Care, and more are expected to follow. As the number of NaturaLyte and GranuFlo lawsuits increase exponentially, an MDL or mass tort could be established to make the litigation process much faster and more effective.
If you, or someone you love has experienced a NaturaLyte or GranuFlo side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or even death, you need to learn more about filing a NaturaLyte or GranuFlo lawsuit. Visit the Kidney Dialysis Heart Attack, GranuFlo & NaturaLyte Recall Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page right away to receive your free consultation with a qualified NaturaLyte or GranuFlo lawsuit attorney.
Updated October 25th, 2012
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